10 Key Factors On ADD Treatments For Adults You Didn't Learn In The Classroom

ADHD Treatments For Adults

Adults can benefit from the same treatments as children. These treatments include counseling, medication (psychotherapy), and life skills training. These treatments could comprise a mix of.

treatment for adhd in adults  work by increasing brain chemicals that regulate self-regulation and attention. These include methylphenidate (marketed as Ritalin, Concerta) and stimulants in the amphetamine class including Lisdexamphetamine (marketed as Adderall, Vyvanse).

Stimulant Medications

Stimulants are substances that stimulate the body's systems and can result in greater levels of alertness in the mind and greater physical activity. They include legal substances like caffeine (added in coffee and tea), nicotine, and prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD), narcolepsy, and hyperactivity. In large doses, stimulants may create over-stimulation, which can cause anxiety and heart palpitations, as well as hypertension as well as paranoia and aggression. In some people long-term, use of stimulants may damage the the brain's dopamine system, which can dampen feelings of pleasure. Stimulants are available in pills, liquids or patches that are applied to the skin. In the absence of legality, abused stimulants include cocaine, methamphetamines and amphetamines.

The drugs in this class are known as central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. They work by increasing the amount of certain brain chemicals that improve concentration, decrease fatigue and increase alertness. They are the first line treatment for adults with ADD or ADHD. These medicines are available in an all-day formula or longer-acting formulations that remain active throughout the day, for example the methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine.

The health care provider may also suggest psychosocial interventions such as psychotherapy, education or coaching. Monitoring the effectiveness of medications over time is important and is a complex task.

Non-stimulant Medicines

About 15%-30% of kids don't respond to stimulant drugs and it's likely that this is true for adults too. The non-stimulant drugs take longer to start working, and can sometimes take some time before you notice the effects. However, they don't have the same risk of adverse effects as stimulants and can be a better option if you can't tolerate them or are worried about addiction.